Buying a car is just like buying a pair of shoes – you need to try them to know if they fit perfectly. Going for a test drive with the vehicle that you are planning to purchase is one of the most important things that every car buyer should do before closing the deal. However, this turns out to be the most neglected step.
Going for a test-drive is vital, especially if you are getting from one of the used cars in raleigh. So with this in mind now that you are ready to purchase a pre-owned car, here are some tips on how you should test-drive a car:
The Preliminary Research
Before you contact a car dealership, you need to do your preliminary research. You should have a list of three to five cars that you would want to own and drive. Then you have to schedule a back-to-back test drive so that your impressions about each car is still fresh in your mind. This will make it easier for you to do a comparison of your choices.
Schedule An Appointment In Advance
To avoid delays, it is important that you schedule your appointments in advance. Doing so will also ensure that the vehicle that you want to test drive is at the car dealership and not somewhere else. Also, the dealer would be able to prepare the car, locate the key, and even charge its battery before your scheduled appointment. So call ahead to make an appointment for the test drive. This will avoid the long waiting times at the dealership.
Pre-Test Drive Inspection
Once you have shown up for the test-drive schedule, you must do your pre-test drive inspection first. Take note of the color, the interior space, as well as the measurements. The car should look good in person, and not only in its pictures online. It is best to do your test-drive during daytime because the vehicle’s color may look different under the streetlights. Also, inspect the interior if it has enough cargo space. If you have a child, bring your car seat to test it out with the car. And lastly, you should take note of the measurements of the car. It should be able to fit your garage or your parking space.
During the Drive
While you are behind the wheel, you can ask the salesperson if you can do the test drive on your preference. This way, you can truly evaluate the car’s performance. Evaluate the acceleration, engine, road-noise, braking, suspension, as well as the steering and handling. And remember that even if you know that this is the car that you want, remain noncommittal and just focus on learning what you need to know from the vehicle.
Once you are done with the test-drive, you will be able to determine if the car is the right fit for you or not. But before you decide, make sure that you go to your other test-drive appointments. You might find something better on the next test-drive. Give yourself some time to decide and do not rush into making a decision.
